Uncle Troy's Health Blog - Issue #1, Nike Plus

Tyler is a Nike Plus user...I'll make sure he checks out this blog

oh, glad to hear this was only about the Nike Plus system.  From the title, i was worried that troy had a number of health issues, and this was just the first one.

But yah, Sean explained the whole thing to me yesterday, while we were running.  I think he mentioned it during our 39th or 40th mile, I lost track.   But anyhow, I hope to get this set up soon.

Yes calibration is a bit confusing.  I would highly recommend that you calibrate it over a mile and not just a quarter mile like I did.  Most likely it will be more accurate this way.  The confusing portion to me was when you were finished with the calibration it says hit menu.  So you hit menu but then it gives you an option to end calibration.  So is hitting menu ending it or is it not until you hit menu AND hit end calibration.  I tried it so many different ways.  It was a bit frustrating.  Sometimes I would hit menu just before reaching the finish line and then hit end calibration exactly when I hit the finish line and instead of completing the calibration it would just give me an update of how long and far I ran.  Pretty frustrating when everytime you do it you are running at least 1/4 mile. 

 

I'm am interested.  My email is myebaypictures@yahoo.com and my  logon is robiesever.  I ran almost 3 miles last night.  Not bad considering I haven't worked out in 7 years and haven't ran since high school.  It was really easy and I could have ran a lot longer but my sister was with me and had to go.  I did run at a track like Brent told me and I am not sore at all today.  My only problem with running is it's SOOOO boring!!  It's the same motion over and over and over again.  Maybe it was so boring b/c it was on a track.

that Nike track is nice, cuz it has variety.  As long as I am running past stuff, up and over bridges, seeing pretty flowers and meadows of clover, an occasional unicorn, then I get the sensation that I am "moving" and it is not as boring.

I want to join, but I don't have a Nike +.  Where can I get one?  Are they really that hard to calibrate?   This sounds like a great way to motivate you to improve your stats and goals.

If someone buys me everything I need, I'll definitely do it. the bike riding part.

Cami, you might be able to talk Brent or Charlotte or someone who goes to the Nike store a lot to make a purchase on your behalf.  One warning, Nike isn't making money on the sensor set-up, so no matter where you buy it, it costs the same.  If you have an iPod Nano, you just need the sensor/receiver kit.  If you don't have a Nano (or Touch) then you need to get one of the wristbands that receives & stores the data for download.

The Nike Plus System is the same price everywhere, so there's no benefit to buying it at the employee store. You can buy them all kinds of places -- Target, Fred Meyer, etc.

I paid $55  for my Nike Plus shoes and they are really comfy!!   I thought they were the ones Brent talked about at Shelly's but when I looked at the box I realized they were Alaris's.

I have a Nano, so that isn't an issue.  Okay then, I will take a look in Target and see if I can find one. Thanks!

I was just at target and saw something like a nike ipod sports kit, which included some device you put in your nike+ shoe and a connector for your ipod. It was about $30. However, I dont have an ipod or inano or iphone or imac or i_____ so i guess getting one would do me no good.

Troy, would you recommend one of these devices over something like a garmin that tracks your routes and has gps and all  that?

You can buy it at Target for $30.  It's in the Ipod section in a little 6 by 6 inch red and white box. 

 

Actually, if they came out with a GPS version of the Nike Plus that would be even better.  No need for calibration and extremely accurate.  Probably a lot more money though.

yeah, thats the one i saw

Yes, the Garmin is better for accuracy and I often wear my Forerunner 305 to keep me on pace (see my "The bad" comment above).  However, GPS is much more expensive and there really isn't a community to make team challenges and group goals like Nike's.  When the choice is accuracy versus motivation, most Americans should take the motivation.

$225 for that Garmin Forerunner, yikes.  Won't be getting that for a while.

They have a new one too, the Forerunner 310XT.  The downside to GPS is that here in Oregon, if you do any trailrunning, you stand to lose connections.  I've tested a bunch up at Forest Park and even there, they often lose the satellites.

JD would like to join the challenge. His id is polarbearliver and his e-mail is polarbearliver@hotmail.com

I have a nike plus that I never use.  More of a garmin fan, although being pregnant and having a newborn I mostly just need to get back out running.  I'm out in CA this weekend.  If I can find my nike plus I'll bring it out for anyone who's interested in borrowing it.

That would definitely be a problem where I run.  There are lots of trees on the trails and around Nike so the GPS may not work all that well.

Do they have one for jetskis?

GPS would work for jetskis.  However, I've heard breathing the fumes from those unfiltered engines offsets any health gains of 'getting out there'.  Scott, you long think body is perfectly suited to open water swimming.  You get to wear a wetsuit, so floatation is not a problem.  Sell the jetski and buy a swimming wetsuit.

Too bad they don't make Ford Pickups you can pedal because if they did I'm sure Troy would own one.  I think UncaScrooge has a hatred of anything with an internal combustion engine.  I remember trying to get Troy on a jetski with Brandt down at the delta, but nope, wouldn't do it. 

hahaha, well I hear chrysler is filing for bankruptcy, maybe you should send them your idea about green cars with pedals. was talking to my cycling buddy the other day, and he did say he'd rather own a 10k bike than a 100k sports car. I love to ride my bike, but i do love cars that go really fast. i'd ride motorcycles more often if it wasnt for the fact that every time i've been on one i think i've crashed it or layed it down, except for when i took my motorcycle street course class and passed with flying colors.

There's just not enough tinker factor on a bicycle for me aside from the fact they are slow and you can't pull any G's on one even if you pedal as hard as you can.  There hasn't been anything yet that can surpass the thrill of the Ferrari I've had the opportunity to drive around for the last few months and leaning hard into a corner on the Yamaha R1 compressing the suspension as you accelerate out.  I would have to say to choose between the Ferrari and the R1 I would hands down choose the Ferrari.  It's just as fun as driving the R1 but you can wear shorts and sandals,  get a sun tan (well maybe not here) ,  carry more luggage and a passenger, and the Ferrari community is a blast to be involved with.  But none of this has anything to do with Nike Plus.

 

Sometimes I think while running that it may be nice to excercise on a bike just because of my mechanical nature but I can just never get over the many years of pedaling my crappy bike along River Rd. to school with cars blasting by me honking and yelling.  Then our friend who was hit on his bike right in front of our house and killed.  There's just something not right about a tiny little bicyclist sharing the road with 8500lb vehicles traveling 3-4 times as fast.  Driving down a country road and having 4-5 cars stuck behind one going 20 mph, all trying pass with oncoming traffic.  I start thinking about all that and it doesn't sound appealing.  I'd rather just run for now around Nike.  I don't even like running through intersections, people just don't watch.

I went to Target today, they had no nike plus systems and I had them look it up at other stores.  They had NONE!  All sold out, pretty crazy.  I am going to Best Buy tomorrow to get it, so I can join the Nike plus challenge.  Can you send me the invite to camiseverson@yahoo.com, or do you have to wait for me to have the nikeplus and a password?

Set it up Cami and then I'll add you.  You may be a day behind, but that shouldn't hurt you.  The bar for this first challenge is set pretty low.  However, we'll increase the difficulty as we roll into summer.

On the bike thing, Sean, I don't necessarily disagree with anything you said.  Bikes are really NOT about 'G's', though I'm sure I've felt them when I've hit 50+ mph on a downhill and sweep into a turn.  It's about cruising along and moving 15-20 mph under your own power and understanding the efficiency of the bicycle design and the power of the human body as the engine.  Scenery passes, not as quickly and unnoticed as in a car, yet quicker and more scintillating than when on foot.  I've also always wondered why dogs go so nuts about bicycles.  Seems weird.  Maybe cyclist look like prey?  You really should give it a try on a well-maintained, light bicycle.  I've got an extra or you can ride on the back of my tandem. :)

Well, there are teeth marks on my IPod cable and it no longer works so looks like I need a new one.  Thanks kids.  Not sure why chewing on an IPod cable would be that inviting.  I was certainly getting frustrated last night when it wouldn't sync and didn't notice the teeth marks until this morning at work.  I tried someone else's Ipod with the cable and it wouldn't work either so at least I don't need a whole new Ipod.

 

Sure Troy, I'd love to ride on the back of your tandem and stare at your butt.  I'm sure I would enjoy biking much more if I had a nice one and could ride somewhere away from traffic.  Who knows, maybe if I get in better shape I will think about it.  I could use another hobby since I've only added one new one this week, an RC helicopter.

I am trying to to ride more outside (as opposed to spinning classes at the gym) because my current goal in life is to do a biking vacation in Tuscany. But before I can even realistically plan something like that, I feel I need to be comfortable riding 20+ miles or so around here. It's not a problem physically, but it's a huge probably psychologically -- I'm terrified most of the time! And so far, I pretty much stick to roads with bike lanes and/or quiet neighborhoods. It gets a little monotonous doing 50 loops in River Run II (ha! ha!). How do you get past that? Troy, I need a mentor...

I'm thinking of making my family do "Weekend Cycle Oregon" this year. It's July 17 - 19th, and the reason I would consider it is because this year it is based at Western Oregon University (Jacob's alma mater!), so you can rent a dorm room instead of camping. No camping for me. Anyone else interested? Here's the link:

http://www.cycleoregon.com/weekend-ride/

Course this may not be the best time to be talking about Western Oregon, as I just read they are shut down for the next few days due to a possible case of Swine Flu. On the other hand, this means Jacob must be finding himself with a little more time on his hands, so might be a good time to give him a call about Hood to Coast!

Sean -- which cable are you talking about? The one that plugs the iPod into the computer? If so, we have about 10 of them. If you want to swing by on your way home from work, you can have one.

Yeah, what I enjoy most about cycling is the personal challenge it gives you, seeing how far and how remote I can ride, seeing how many more hills I can push myself up, and when you're cycling, as troy said, the scenery is much more amazing and you notice how quiet everything is, as opposed to flying by it in a car. Just riding up to that motorcycle track on metcalf...its a really nice ride. I took scott half way up with me when they were here, and he commented that he felt like he was on a nature safari or something. I really hate jogging...just feels painful the whole time, the jarring, and getting nowhere fast.

Chaco, I don't have any magic formula, except that as you do it more, you begin to know what to think about.  I always assume I'm invisible to cars.  I'm betting Sean does this same thing when on his motorcycle.  I also try to ride as predictably and consistently as I can.  I don't make sudden and surprising moves, I always signal my turns.  There are times when you have to be aggressive, like when I'm riding down a steep hill.  I 'take the lane' and don't ride the shoulder.  I'll move over when it's safe for cars to pass, but I also want to communicate to them when it's NOT okay to pass.  Riding in a group can help, but it's also a mixed bag.  If others in the group don't behave like I do (i.e., they run stop signs, ride out in the lane when they shouldn't) i get annoyed and feel less safe.  However, if you know the riders, it's good because drivers are more likely to see multiple cyclist.  Comfort comes with experience, but there is no magic pill.

Let me know when you're headed to Tuscany.  I'd go with you.  Holly and Brent could keep each other company and we'll ride. ;)

Charlotte, that is the cable I need.  I did run over to Target real quick before I saw your post and got one for $20 (why is all IPod stuff a rip off?) and that solved the problem.  However, if you have a bunch I will take a couple extras, one for home, work, backup. 

 

On my motorcycle it's pretty much the same thing, I always assume the guy making a left turn in front of me isn't going to see me.  However the one large difference is that I am always moving AT LEAST the same pace as traffic but 99% of the time going faster than traffic so things are always approaching me in front of me instead of from behind where I can't see them.  People never see me in their blind spots and always change lanes into me.  I've learned to expect it.   

Okay, I'll start planning the Tuscany trip. However, I need Holly and Brent to ride as well! Let's face it -- I will never be in the same league as you, Troy. I need a few other "Sunday riders" so I'm not left in the dust all by myself.

I'm up for the ride in Tuscany.  I just need a few months training on my bike.  Oh, and a decent bike to ride.

Okay, I am all signed up on nike +.  My ID is: camisev    and my email address is: camiseverson@yahoo.com

How Do I see what the challenge is?  Does is show up on the web site, or will I get an e-mail inviting me?

You have to be invited by Troy since he created the challenge.  I don't know if people can be added after it starts.

I know.  And he said that I might be a day behind, so that means he still must be able to add me.  I was just wondering what I should be looking for.

Cami is added, but will be at a slight disadvantage as the challenges don't add miles run retroactively.  Don't worry, it's an easy month.  We'll increase it next month, so get cracking!

Wow, I got a lot of exercise just reading all of this.  Brad feels the same way about riding on busy roads.  He rides the paved bike trail in the river bed to the ocean every week and then along the path on Pacific Coast Highway to Huntington Beach.  The last time he went with Jay in San Jose on a main road with cars whizzing by he lasted less than an hour fearing for his life.   

Well, I had the #1 spot on our challenge for most of today until Troy uploaded only 4.5 miles today.  I was expecting a good 10-12 miles today Leroy, what happened?   I should secure enough mileage tomorrow for the #1 spot if Holly doesn't walk from here to Salem in one day. 

I actually uploaded 7+ miles today Sean.  Just two different runs.  The first 3.1 were part of a sprint triathlon I raced this morning and the second 4+ were running to the club to swim with Cole (who rode his bike).  And yes, I should have been running more, but decided to give myself an easier day today given the morning race.

I don't know why NikePlus doesn't give you more visibility on other people's workouts.  Obviously only with people on a 'friends' list or something.  I may actually have to take the day off today and run tomorrow depending on how sore my legs are this afternoon.

I think that it all depends on whether they have their profile listed as public or private.  Friends list would be a good idea, of course, that is kind of what the challenge does.

If it's marked private you can't see anything at all.  Mark it public and it only shows people your total miles and last workout mileage, that's it.  I think it would be better to be able to share all your history of working out.

I want to join the challenge but I don't have an iPod so I guess I'll need to spend the $59.99 on the Nike Sportband. The guy at Best Buy was very certain that such a device doesn't exist and the ONLY way to use the Nike Plus was with the iPod.

The only store I could find online was out of stock. I can't find it on Nike's website which freaks me out a little bit.

I know, I was having troubles finding it when you called me.  Seems like it almost doesn't exist.

Brent thinks they might have yanked the SportBand because there were some issues with it. He thinks they'll be out with a new version soon, but yeah, for the time being, doesn't seem like they're selling it. It's not available on the Nike Employee Store website either.

http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/?l=all_challenges,1479479518

 

The biggest problem with the Nike Plus sport band, and frankly, many of Nike's watches, is the apparent love the designers have the for the 'reverse LCD' that has a black background and white digits.  In all but the most perfect environments, the display becomes virtually invisible.  Tough to check your pace when you can't see the display.

There was a NYTimes article on the Nike Plus today - http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/22/marathon-tech-review-nike-ipod/?8cir&emc=cirb1